If you spend any time in the soap opera world, you know the rumors fly faster than a Port Charles wedding. One day someone is getting recast, and the next, there’s a frantic whisper about a terminal illness. Lately, the question "Does Maurice Benard have cancer?" has been bouncing around social media like a pinball.
People are worried. It’s understandable. When you’ve watched a guy play Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital for over 30 years, he starts to feel like a distant cousin you actually like.
But here’s the thing: Maurice Benard does not have cancer. He’s actually been quite vocal about this recently. In fact, he’s poked a bit of fun at how the "death pool" rumors start. During a podcast appearance on Richard Taite’s We’re Out of Time in late 2025, Benard addressed the buzz directly. He noted that every time there’s talk about him leaving the show or retiring, people jump to the most drastic conclusion possible.
"There’s always a lot of people who say I’m dying, too," he said during the interview. "Like I have cancer or something." He followed that up with a very clear assurance that he is not dying.
👉 See also: Kanye West Black Head Mask: Why Ye Stopped Showing His Face
Where did the rumors come from?
Honestly, the rumor mill is a weird beast. Usually, these health scares start because of a few specific things that fans see and misinterpret.
- Retirement Talk: Maurice is 62 now. He’s been open about the fact that he doesn't want to act until he’s 80. He’s mentioned that 65 feels like a good age to wrap things up. When fans hear "retirement," their brains often skip a few steps and land on "he must be sick."
- The State of Mind Podcast: Maurice hosts a fantastic show called State of Mind. He talks about deep, heavy stuff—mental health, depression, and his own battle with bipolar disorder. Because he’s so vulnerable about "not feeling 100%," some people mistake mental health struggles for physical ones like cancer.
- On-Screen Drama: Sonny Corinthos has been through the wringer lately. Plotlines involving memory loss, medication tampering, and breakdowns can make an actor look physically exhausted. That’s just good acting, but it leads to "he looks thin" or "he looks tired" comments on Facebook.
The real health battle Maurice actually fights
While the cancer rumors are fake, Maurice’s health journey is very real. He’s become the "poster boy" for mental health awareness in the industry. Diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder at age 22, he has survived several manic episodes and deep depressions that would have sidelined most people.
He’s been incredibly brave about sharing the dark stuff. He’s talked about a "nervous breakdown" he had early in his General Hospital career. He’s even admitted to having suicidal thoughts during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns.
✨ Don't miss: Nicole Kidman with bangs: Why the actress just brought back her most iconic look
It’s a physical battle, too. People forget that mental health isn't just "in your head." It affects your sleep, your energy levels, and your physical appearance. In early 2025, he even had to take a two-week sick leave—something he never does—because of crippling anxiety. That kind of honesty is rare in Hollywood. It’s also probably why people keep googling his health; they know he’s dealt with something, they just get the "what" wrong.
His current status and "Retirement"
As of January 2026, Maurice is still very much part of the General Hospital cast. He recently signed a contract extension that keeps him in Port Charles for at least another year.
He’s healthy. He’s boxing. He’s still celebrating milestones, like his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife, Paula.
🔗 Read more: Kate Middleton Astro Chart Explained: Why She Was Born for the Crown
He’s also realistic. He knows he can’t do the "grind" forever. Soap operas are a marathon. You’re memorizing dozens of pages of dialogue every single day. He’s said that if he can’t give 90%, he won’t do it. But for now, he’s still hitting those marks.
How to spot fake celebrity health news
It's easy to get sucked into the "clickbait" trap. If you see a headline saying a star is "battling a secret illness" or "saying goodbye," check the source.
- Look for the Podcast: Maurice usually clears things up on State of Mind or his Instagram. If he hasn't said it, it's probably not true.
- Check Major Outlets: If a TV icon like Maurice Benard actually had cancer, People or The Hollywood Reporter would have a confirmed statement from his rep.
- Watch the Tone: Fake news uses emotional, vague language. Real news uses specific medical terms or direct quotes.
Maurice is fine. He's just a guy who’s worked a high-stress job for three decades and is looking forward to eventually slowing down and focusing on his family and his mental health advocacy.
Next Steps for Fans
If you want to support Maurice, the best thing you can do isn't speculating on his health—it's watching his podcast. State of Mind is where he puts his real energy these days. It helps break the stigma he’s been fighting since the 80s. Also, keep an eye on his official social media for his "Sunday State of Mind" updates, as that's where he gives the most authentic look into how he's actually doing.